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Scroll Compressors
Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll compressor design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple and elegant design with fewer moving parts, scroll compressor technology offers OEM applications an oil-free, ultra-quiet and smooth-operating alternative to traditional reciprocating, diaphragm, and vain technology.
Air Squared, Inc. was founded in 1991 to service the needs of OEMs with oil-free scroll solutions for demanding positive displacement applications. Twenty years later, Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing, with more experience and more scroll compressor models than any other company.
Range Capability Overview
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Sales Inquires
Qualified OEMs should consult Air Squared for custom configurations and application specific requirements.
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P05H012A-BLDC-C
Silent Series Badge2 barg
6 lpmv
0.048 kWe
Full
Production -
P07H015A-BLDC-CSilent Series Badge2 barg
15 lpmv
0.08 kWe
Full
Production -
P07H020A-BLDC-CSilent Series Badge2 barg
20 lpmv
0.096 kWe
Full
Production -
P09H017A-BLDC-CSilent Series Badge3.5 barg
50 lpmv
0.43 kWe
Limited
Production -
P14H022A-BLDC-C
Orbital Series Badge6.9 barg
100 lpmv
0.96 kWe
Limited
Production -
P16H030A-BLDCOrbital Series Badge2.5 barg
150 lpmv
0.72 kWe
Full
Production -
P17H043B-AC-LC-7HP
Liquid-Cooled Series Badge13 barg
430 lpmv
5.6 kWe
Full
Production -
P17H043C-BLDC-LCLiquid-Cooled Series Badge12.5 barg
425 lpmv
6 kWe
Full
Production -
P19H038A-BLDCOrbital Series Badge5 barg
475 lpmv
3.4 kWe
Limited
Production -
P22H038B-AC-SH
Semi Hermetic Series Badge5.5 barg
425 lpmv
5.6 kWe
Limited
Production -
P22H060A-BLDC
Orbital Series Badge1.6 barg
485 lpmv
1.3 kWe
Full
Production -
P24H056A-BLDCOrbital Series Badge1 barg
800 lpmv
1.2 kWe
Limited
Production -
P27H069A-BLDCOrbital Series Badge1.2 barg
950 lpmv
2.4 kWe
Full
Production -
P34H080A-BLDCOrbital Series Badge1.8 barg
1850 lpmv
5 kWe
Limited
Production
Scroll Compressor Solutions from Air Squared
Find your oil-free solution through a growing line of liquid-cooled scroll compressors engineered specifically for OEMs and view past projects that supported liquid-cooled scroll technology development
While liquid cooling for oil-free and lubricated scroll compressor has been investigated in the past, patented liquid-cooled scroll technology from Air Squared offers the first oil-free scroll compressor design that provides effective cooling to both the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll. The patented technology allows coolant to be transferred between the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll without the use of dynamic seals.
Air-cooled scroll compressor designs are pressure-limited because the heat generated during compression causes the primary working components to thermally expand. The thermal expansion causes interference between the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll, eventually leading to mechanical failure. While the running clearance between the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll can be increased to avoid interference, this approach also decreases volumetric efficiency and pressure capability.
Liquid cooling allows for significantly more control over operating temperatures throughout the compression process. By removing heat generated during the compression process more effectively, thermal expansion is mitigated, allowing for high-pressure operation without sacrificing efficiency or reliability.
Sealed and Semi-hermetic configurations
Compared to air-cooled compressor designs, liquid cooling offers isolation of working fluid to ambient and drive componentry (i.e. motor). Air-cooled compressors cool the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll with ambient air. While this approach is adequate with an open-housing design, air colling is far less effective if the compression process is fully enclosed (e.g. sealed or semi-hermetic). Liquid-cooling solves this issue by providing effective cooling to the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll, even if the compressor is semi-hermetically sealed.
Liquid colling also operates independently of ambient conditions. This allows for effective cooling, even if the compressor is exposed to elevated ambient temperatures – as in under-the-hood vehicle applications.
For operation with flammable gases, such as O2 and H2, the “independent drive” series of liquid-cooled scroll compressors are easily configured with a magnetic coupling that fully isolates the working fluid from the motor.
Scroll Compressor Related Articles
- Scroll Compressor Videos
- Scroll Compressor and Vacuum Pump Efficiency
- Air Compressor Testing Method
- Air Compressor Test Bench Schematic
- Eliminating Fuel Cell Parasitic Loading Using Scroll Expansion
- Combined Scroll Expansion-Compression H2 Pump Poster
Scroll Compressor FAQs
Monitoring speed is an important aspect of operating a scroll compressor or vacuum pump, as operation over the specified maximum speed can result in premature or catastrophic failure.
For scroll compressors and vacuum pumps that have a brushless DC motor, speed can be measured by connecting a digital tachometer between a hall sensor and ground. The tachometer must be programmed to the correct number of pulses per revolution, which can be determined by dividing the numbers of motor poles by 2. For example, an 8-pole motor will have 4 pulses per revolution. Alternatively, an oscilloscope can also be used to measure the frequency of the hall sensors. Divide the measured frequency by the number of pulses per revolution and multiply by 60 to determine the RPM. For scroll compressors and vacuum pumps that have an AC motor, speed can be measured by multiplying the frequency of the variable frequency drive (VFD) by 60 to determine the RPM.Air Squared does not provide operation manuals for most products.
Given the specialized nature of our scroll products, Air Squared works directly with OEM customers to install, operate, test, evaluate, and service products. Customers who require an operation manual should contact their Sales Representative.
If you do not have a Sales Representative, start with our Application Assistant or contact Sales directly.
Looking at the face of the unit, the motor shaft for scroll compressors and scroll vacuum pumps rotates clockwise.
Most Air Squared products do not have a CE conformity marking.
Our products are primarily designed for OEMs and not intended for end users. As most OEM systems already require CE marking, conformity specific to an Air Squared product is generally not required.
OEM customers that require conformity specific to an Air Squared product should contact their Sales Representative.
Most scroll compressors have a discharge port centered on the face of the unit, with the inlet port positioned near the periphery.
Scroll Compressor News
Spacesuit Spinning Scroll Boost Compressor Development Continues
June 24, 2020
Broomfield, CO – After successfully completing feasibility testing in 2019, Air Squared has received small business innovation research (SBIR) Phase II funding from NASA to continue the development of its pressure swing adsorption CO2 and H20-removal spinning scroll boost compressor (SSBC). Following the topic Exploration Portable Life Support System (xPLSS) for deep space and surface […]
Comparative Study on Decompression Pumps for Dry Combat Submersible
August 23, 2019
USSOCOM is investigating the achievable possibilities to depressurize dry combat submersible (DCS) hyperbaric spaces while at diving depth. Regulating decompression on ascent following underwater activity significantly decreases the risk of oxygen toxicity, nitrogen narcosis, and decompression sickness. Existing crewed decompression is achieved via surface decompression or staged decompression obligations; however, surface decompression requires supplemental shipboard […]
Spinning Scroll Compressor Funding Awarded to Support NASA Spacesuit Development
June 26, 2019
Broomfield, CO – To meet the demanding specifications of future space exploration, Air Squared has been awarded Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funding through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the development of a Spinning Scroll Boost Compressor (SSBC) that can support Exploration Extra Vehicular Mobility units (xEMU) in future Mars […]
Air Squared Part of Cross-Industry Collaboration Developing Hybrid Power Generation System
November 09, 2018
Broomfield, CO – A collaboration between Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, Kohler Power Systems, and Air Squared, has been awarded $3 million in funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to develop a novel hybrid power generation system. Led by Professor Rob Braun at Colorado School of Mines, the team is one […]
Development of Distressed Submarine Decompression System Funded by the US Navy
August 20, 2018
Broomfield, CO – Air Squared has received Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to develop a Seawater-Flooded Scroll Compressor with Tribrid Power System (SFSC-TP) from the US Navy. Funded under topic N181-047: Decompression of Atmosphere Onboard Distressed Submarine, the US Navy is challenging businesses to reduce the internal atmospheric pressure of a Distressed […]
Cost Barriers Shattered with Low-Cost Pump Development
September 01, 2017
Broomfield, CO — With support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Air Squared is developing low-cost scroll technology that opens up markets previously too cost-sensitive to justify the advantages of oil-free scroll compressors and vacuum pumps. The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) requires a very specific low-cost natural gas compressor as part […]
NASA Outreach Program Assists Air Squared
March 26, 2012
New compressor design heads to production thanks to assistance from NASA outreach program.
Plug Power Places Large Production Order
October 27, 2011
Plug Power places large production order for Air Squared compressors used in GenDrive fuel cell units.
September 19, 2011
Machine Design has recently featured an article introducing Air Squared’s P6H8N3.0 miniature scroll compressor.
100 lpm, 100 psi Scroll Compressor
September 04, 2011
Developed for use in testing pilot suits, the compressor will be ideal for dental applications.
Development for Fuel Cell Recirculation Pumps
August 12, 2011
High-reliability oxygen and hydrogen fuel cell recirculation pumps for a lighter-than-air aircraft application.
Miniature Compressor Development Complete
February 12, 2011
Air Squared has finished development on the first scroll-type, continuous-duty, high-efficiency miniature compressor.
Compact Scroll Refrigeration Compressor
June 28, 2010
Air Squared has started development on a small-scale scroll refrigeration compressor capable of 350 W to 500 W of cooling.
Semi-hermetic Scroll Compressor
June 04, 2006
New semi-hermetic scroll compressor and vacuum pump delivers 80% volumetric efficiency with smooth, quiet operation.
Air Squared Helps Inogen Oxygen Concentrator
March 04, 2005
Rotary scroll compressor helps new Inogen One oxygen concentrator break sound, weight, and battery-life barriers.
Tapping Scroll Technology for Pulse-free Air
January 01, 2002
New oil-free 0.5 hp compressor and vacuum pump taps clean, reliable scroll technology for pulse-free air in medical devices.
Scroll Compressor Projects
High-Flow, Oil-Free, Scroll Compressor for Hybrid Power Generation System
April 02, 2020
Designed as part of a five-organization partnership under the ARPA-e INTEGRATE program, the P38H083B-IND delivers contaminate-free air to a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that is at the heart of a hybrid power generation system under development by Colorado School of Mines. The novel power generation system combines an intermediate-temperature SOFC, custom internal combustion engine, […]
Oil-Free Scroll Refrigeration Compressor for Aerospace
April 02, 2019
Environmental Control Systems (ECS) regulate sensitive electronics cooling, bleed air control, cabin pressure, and auxiliary systems in modern defense and civilian aircraft. Most systems use complex distributed rotary-vane and screw compressors that are constrained by intricate duct systems that compromise size, weight, and power. The P13H025A-BLDC-SH represents a compact and lightweight alternative with a superior […]
Second Generation Semi-Hermetic Scroll Compressor
October 10, 2018
Compatible with a range of working fluids at flow rates over 400 lpm, the second generation P22H038B-AC-SH offers a number of improvements to a design Air Squared first released over a decade ago. The second generation design has improved heat dissipation and a larger cooling fan for reliable performance during extended operation. The second generation […]
Quiet, High-Pressure Compressor for Commercial EV
April 28, 2018
Air Squared has completed development of a liquid-cooled scroll compressor for a commercial electric vehicle application. The application required a durable, oil-free compressor capable of delivering 150 lpmv at 10.5 barg. A major source of noise for EV applications is the compressor used in the air-braking system, so quiet operation was also a critical requirement. […]
Liquid-Cooled Scroll Compressor for Electric Bus
April 02, 2018
Continuing development of its patented liquid-cooled scroll technology, Air Squared has completed a custom scroll compressor for an electric bus application. The application required an oil-free air compressor capable of delivering 350 lpm v at 10.5 barg with nominal sound levels below 50 dB(A). With growing populations in urban centers around the world, cities looking […]
Extremely Quiet Miniature Compressor for Medical Applications
March 30, 2018
The low-cost natural gas compressor development funded by Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) is already paying dividends for future standard scroll compressor offerings. With successful development of the P05H012A-BLDC-C, the unit is likely to be the first production-ready model utilizing design and manufacturing technology learned from the government-funded cost reduction campaign. The compressor […]
Corrosion-Resistant Scroll Hydrogen Blower
November 08, 2017
Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC) are more efficient than Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEM) but use alkaline electrolytes that are difficult for standard pumping technologies because of their corrosive properties. Very few efficient, oil-free, and corrosion-resistant pumping options exist for this technology, and none are sized specifically for the needs of Alkaline Fuel Cells. Air […]
Compact Oil-Free Scroll Compressor for Medical Devices
March 02, 2017
In 2001, Air Squared released the P11H012A-BLDC-C scroll compressor for use in portable medical oxygen concentrators. The small-scale pump quickly became a flagship product for Air Squared, being integrated into additional medical applications across the globe. After more than fifteen years in service, the P11H012A-BLDC-C will be replaced by the P07H015A-BLDC-C scroll compressor. The P07H015A-BLDC-C […]
High-Pressure Scroll Natural Gas Booster
December 02, 2016
The P20H033A represents a milestone in scroll technology innovation, achieving the highest discharge pressure ever recorded on a scroll compressor. Using a volume ratio of 1.3, the compressor is engineered to boost natural gas from 110 bara to 113 bara. The heavy-duty design operates 100% oil-free and displaces 100 cm3/ Rev. at a max. running […]
High-Capacity Scroll Compressor for Fuel Cell Applications
November 09, 2016
Growing in unison with the international alternative energy industry, Air Squared has become the transportation fuel cell standard through the development of their largest production scroll compressor, the P34H080A-BLDC. Capable of delivering up to 1,850 lpmv, the P34H080A-BLDC provides reliable oil-free air for transportation fuel cell stacks. Design Specifications Discharge Pressure: 1.8 barg Max Volume […]
Liquid-Cooled Scroll Compressor with Integrated Motor for Fuel Cell Vehicles
January 22, 2016
Fuel cell applications require oil-free air to prevent contamination of the fuel cell stack. When a major automotive company approached Air Squared in search of an oil-free air compressor, they knew they would find the compact, reliable, efficient, and oil-free product needed for a fuel cell-powered vehicle. Providing 700 SLPM of air at 3 barg, […]
Compact High-Pressure Scroll Compressor
January 15, 2015
Designed for a cryogenic medical application with a small space envelope, the compact P09H015A-BLDC-SH is intended to boost Argon from 100 bara to over 115 bara, at a relatively low volume flow rate. While Air Squared has several high-pressure scroll compressors, the P09H015A-BLDC-SH represents the first to have high-pressure capability in a very compact and […]
Semi-Hermetic Scroll Compressor with Integrated Water-Cooling
January 02, 2015
Designed for an industrial gas processing application with high-sensitivity to any contamination of the working fluid, the oil-free P32H080A-AC-SH-WC is capable of compressing helium from 1 bara to 3.5 bara at a flow rate of 1,500 lpmv. The novel scroll compressor incorporates two innovations patented by Air Squared – semi-hermetic design using a magnetic coupling […]
Spinning Scroll Compressor for H2 Recirculation
April 03, 2014
The P21H050A-BLDC-SH-SS is designed to boost 180 ºC, 100% humid hydrogen from 20 bara to 20.5 bara. Used to recirculate high-temperature hydrogen for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system in a weight-sensitive aerospace application, this innovative spinning scroll compressor provides 375 lpmv of hydrogen to the anode side of the SOFC in a package […]
Miniature Medical Scroll Compressor
September 01, 2013
For use in a portable nebulizer application, the compact P08H014A-BLDC is the first oil-free scroll compressor to incorporate a supporting piston to load the orbiting scroll against the fixed scroll. Designed for a small footprint and silent operation, the patented innovation will help reduce cost in volume production. Weighing just 375 grams with brushless motor, […]
Lightweight, Compact, Oil-free Scroll Compressor
February 07, 2013
Developed for mobile applications, the oil-free P24H056A-BLDC features a compact and lightweight design, capable of delivering up to 600 lpmv of air at 0.7 barg. The unit is ideal for mobile fuel cell and medical applications. The efficient compressor employs a traditional orbiting scroll design, but can operate at speeds over 4,000 RPM. While most […]
Fuel Cell Hydrogen Recirculation Pump
November 01, 2011
Weighing just 2.2 kg, the compact P16H034C-BLDC-SH delivers 100 lpm of hydrogen, with a 0.25 bard pressure rise. The semi-hermetic unit is designed to recirculate humidified hydrogen in fuel-cell-powered fork lifts. The goal of the project was to develop a semi-hermetic hydrogen pump that offers improved reliability and efficiency over diaphragm pumps currently used in […]
Compact Semi-Hermetic Scroll Refrigeration Compressor
October 01, 2010
Designed for cooling a military antenna array, this compact and highly efficient R7H7N3.38 refrigeration compressor is capable of 350 W to 500 W of cooling. Air Squared developed the semi-hermetic scroll compressor as a subcontractor for the SBIR-funded application. Challenging size and weight specifications were achieved by incorporating new innovative design elements. View all projects
Stainless O2 and H2 Recirculation Pump
March 14, 2010
The stainless steel hydrogen and oxygen recirculation pump was developed for Lockheed Martin’s ISIS program as part of the on-board fuel cell system. Excess electricity provided by the photovoltaic cells during the day is used to convert water into oxygen and hydrogen, which is used by the fuel cell system to power the dirigible during […]
P19H38N5.25 5 HP Scroll Compressor
March 01, 2010
As the largest Air Squared scroll compressor to date, the 5 hp P19H38N5.25 is capable of 500 lpm at 125 psig. The AC powered unit features innovative integrated cooling. View all projects
Durable and Compact Scroll Compressor for Commercial Aerospace
March 08, 2009
Unique among scroll technology solutions for Air Squared, the P19H038A-BLDC is purpose-built to deliver maximum performance per kilogram in a minimal footprint, with the unique needs of aerospace applications considered throughout the entire design process. Intended for integration in a potable water supply system, the P19H038A-BLDC represents the state-of-the-art compressor solution for commercial aerospace applications. […]
High-Pressure Water-Cooled Compressor
September 01, 2007
The world’s first water-cooled scroll unit was designed for the US Army to fit inside a military vehicle with a small envelope and no available air cooling. The unit is water-cooled using a bellows to transfer coolant around the orbiting scroll. The patented design uses a BLDC motor and delivers approximately 350 lpm of air […]
Miniature Scroll Refrigeration Compressor
October 01, 2003
Developed for DeWalt and measuring just 1.4″ squared x 3″ long (35 mm squared x 78 mm long), the tiny R4H4N3.25 scroll pump delivers up to 10 psi and has a no-load flow of 0.14 cfm (4.0 lpm). The unit is the world’s smallest scroll unit ever designed. View all projects
